Jim Donaghey – January, 2008

Jim Donaghey was one of the giants of the Ballroom Dancing World, and in particular for his association with the launching of the International Style Dancing in America.

Jim hailed from Scotland where he distinguished himself during his early years as an amateur before coming to America in the late sixties. With a winning formula in the competitive dance arena, he won numerous major professional titles including the prestigious North American Championships in both Ballroom and Latin, and represented the USA both as a competitor and a judge at World Championships.

Jim served the USISTD for many years, first as a committee member and then in the capacity of an Examiner. Know affectionately as ‘Gentleman Jim’, his quiet demeanor and dry sense of humor endeared him to many of the people whose lives he touched.